Gambling regulations in Sweden and Norway have undergone significant transformations over the years, shaped by cultural attitudes, technological advancements and government policies. Sweden and Norway share a Nordic cultural heritage, but their gambling laws have evolved in contrasting ways. While Sweden has embraced a regulated licensing system, Norway has maintained a strict state-controlled monopoly over gambling activities. Despite these differences both countries continue to improve their laws.
Swedish gambling laws were reformed in 2019 with the introduction of the Swedish Gambling Act, which opened the market to private operators and required them to obtain a license from Spelinspektionen. The law also implemented strict responsible gambling measures, including the Spelpaus self-exclusion system, to protect players while ensuring a competitive market. One of the most influential voices in Sweden’s gambling reform is Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary-General of the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS). A strong advocate for market competition, Hoffstedt has pushed for balanced regulations that protect players while allowing industry growth.
In Norway, gambling is primarily controlled by two state-owned operators: Norsk Tipping (lotteries and sports betting) and Norsk Rikstoto (horse racing). Private international operators face heavy restrictions. However, these international platforms offering norskt casino often provide a broader selection of games, better bonuses and more competitive odds. A 2023 report estimated that around 10% of Norwegian players still use offshore casinos, prompting debates over legal reforms. Atle Hamar, Director of the Norwegian Gaming Authority (Lotteri- og stiftelsestilsynet), has been a key defender of the monopoly system, emphasizing its role in reducing gambling harm.
The Evolution of Gambling Laws in Sweden
Before 2019, the Swedish gambling industry was dominated by Svenska Spel, a state-owned company responsible for offering casino games, lotteries and sports betting. Although international online casinos were accessible to Swedish players, they operated without a Swedish license, existing in a legal gray area.
The introduction of the Swedish Gambling Act on January 1, 2019, brought significant reforms to the industry. This law shifted Sweden from a state-controlled monopoly to a competitive and regulated market. This legislation opened the market to private operators, requiring them to obtain a license from Spelinspektionen. It also introduced strict responsible gambling measures, including the Spelpaus self-exclusion system, which allows players to block themselves from all licensed gambling sites. As a result, Swedish players were given legal access to a variety of regulated casino platforms, ensuring better consumer protection and fairer competition in the market.
Following this regulatory shift, Sweden’s gambling industry experienced rapid growth. The regulated market saw annual revenues climb to SEK 27 billion (€2.4 billion) as more operators entered the space. Today, over 100 licensed companies including Betsson and LeoVegas compete within the market. To ensure fair contributions to the economy, Sweden implemented an 18% tax rate on gross gaming revenue (GGR) for all licensed operators. Today, Sweden continues to refine its gambling laws to ensure a safer and more competitive market.
The Evolution of Gambling Laws in Norway
Unlike Sweden, Norway has remained firm in maintaining its state-controlled gambling monopoly and has resisted market liberalization. Gambling in Norway is exclusively controlled by two state-run entities: Norsk Tipping, which oversees lotteries, sports betting, and online casino games, and Norsk Rikstoto, which manages horse racing betting. Any other form of gambling is illegal unless explicitly authorized by the government. The Norwegian government argues that its strict monopoly system helps prevent gambling addiction and fraud, prioritizing consumer protection over competition.
Despite this restrictive approach, Norway’s gambling industry remains profitable, generating NOK 12.5 billion (€1.1 billion) in revenue in 2023. The country also boasts a relatively low rate of unlicensed gambling, with only 5% of Norwegians engaging with offshore casino sites, largely due to aggressive enforcement measures. Due to growing concerns of monopoly system, some political parties have begun advocating for a licensing system similar to Sweden’s, which would allow private operators to enter the market under strict regulations. Meanwhile, the Norwegian government has continued to tighten restrictions.
Offshore casinos in Norway have become a popular alternative for many players who seek a wider variety of gaming options than what the state-controlled market offers. These global gambling sites feature a more extensive game library, superior rewards and more favourable odds than local options. Although Norway’s tight gambling laws block direct access to offshore operators, players still bypass restrictions using alternative payment solutions including digital wallets and crypto transactions. The appeal of these offshore casinos lies in their ability to offer an enhanced gaming experience that is not restricted by the monopoly system in Norway. As a result, despite the legal challenges, offshore casinos remain a preferred option for many Norwegian gamblers, who enjoy more freedom and flexibility in their gambling choices.
What’s Next?
Sweden and Norway represent two contrasting approaches in gambling regulation i.e. competition versus control. Both Sweden and Norway are facing ongoing challenges in regulating their markets. Sweden is focusing on stricter enforcement against unlicensed operators while trying to balance competition with consumer protection. Meanwhile, Norway continues its battle against offshore gambling but may eventually face pressure to reconsider its strict monopoly system.
While Sweden’s licensed market has boosted tax revenue and expanded consumer choice, Norway’s monopoly system prioritizes public health and player protection. Given the success of Sweden’s model, Norway might eventually rethink its stance, but for now, Norwegian players continue finding ways to access international gaming platforms.
As both countries refine their gambling policies, finding the right balance between freedom and protection will remain a central issue in Nordic gambling law.